Obituary of Norah Dorcas

Norah Ellen (O’Donnell /McAleer) Dorcas aged 92, a resident of Parkland Fredericton, passed away on September 13, 2014 at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Fredericton. Norah was born on February 4, 1922 in McNamee, NB -the second daughter of Kathleen and Dennis McAleer - a sister for the late Franceen (John Stewart). Norah grew up with both sets of grandparents close to her. After attending elementary at a two-room school house in McNamee, Norah moved to Fredericton to attend Fredericton High School. When WWII began, Norah moved to Quebec to live with an aunt and uncle while working at a munitions factory. Norah was engaged on Christmas Day, 1941 to Arthur Dorcas and married January 16, 1942 in Brownsburg, Quebec prior to Arthur’s RCAF deployment to Europe. After WWII, Norah and Arthur lived in Calgary where their daughter, Virginia, was born. They next moved to Toronto where their son, Ronald, was born; and in retirement lived in Quebec and Ontario before returning to New Brunswick. A great achievement was Norah’s decision to pursue nursing training while raising two children and then actively pursue a nursing career. Norah has been an active member of many Anglican parishes, a long-term member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and a volunteer in a number of organizations. In retirement, Norah and Arthur travelled extensively around the world with trips to the UK, Portugal, Spain, Australia, and repeatedly to New Zealand and Arizona. Norah is survived by daughter Virginia (John) Melnyk, grandson, Brandon, and great grandson, Pierce; son Ronald (Lynn) Dorcas, granddaughter Ashlyn (fiancé Dan Higgs); grandson Reid (Amanda) and great grandson, Jackson. Nieces, nephews, “endless” cousins, and so many friends enriched Norah’s life. Norah’s sister’s children have been important to her: Cedric (Gayle), Wilma (Bliss), Derwyn (Carm), Linda (Leonard), great niece Bonnie (Frank), plus many more McAleer/O’Donnell and Dorcas relatives. Amongst close friends and families to whom Norah’s family is so grateful - Marilyn Lyons, Mavis (Stewart) Roussel, Sue Stewart – Modugno, Father John & Phylis Cathcart, the caring staff of Parkland’s Governor and Brunswick Halls, and Dr. Steven Marisette. Visitation will be held at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Saturday, November 1, 2014 from 1-2 pm. Following the visitation, a celebration of Norah’s life will be held in York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel at 2 pm with Father Kevin Stockall officiating. Interment will be in Sunny Bank Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com